NEWPORT BEACH : Patrols Boosted After Rash of Burglaries
Police have increased patrols in the Harborview and Newport Hills residential developments after 15 burglaries there within the last month, Sgt. Andy Gonis said Thursday.
The most recent burglary occurred Wednesday in the 1900 block of Port Albans Place, where a burglar broke through a window and stole cash from a man’s wallet that had been left in view, police said.
“This is an opportunity thief who is looking for either open doors or items left in plain view by windows,” Gonis said. “It appears to be the same person because of the similarities in the 15 incidents.”
Gonis said most of the burglaries have occurred between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. In most instances, residents were home and asleep when the thief entered through unlocked side garage doors, unlocked interior doors or broke through a window.
The burglar typically takes cash from purses left in sight in the kitchen area of homes in the two developments, which are located near the Fashion Island shopping center, Gonis said.
“We are asking people to make sure their place is locked up and to keep purses and wallets out of plain view,” Gonis said. “And if they see or hear anything suspicious, to call police.”
Anyone with information about the burglar is asked to contact Detective Tom Gazsi at (714) 644-3764 or (714) 644-3717.
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